Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, a retired Royal Navy officer, is widely known as the second husband of Anne, Princess Royal, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. With an impressive naval career, he commanded several frigates and played a crucial role in the NATO-led IFOR Task Force. Additionally, he served in the Ministry of Defence and held the position of Chief Executive of Defence Estates. Since his retirement, he has dedicated his time to charitable initiatives, particularly focusing on property and regeneration. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the English Heritage Trust and previously held the position of Vice Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In March
- Also Known As: Sir Timothy James Hamilton Laurence
- Age: 68 Years, 68 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Anne, Princess Royal (m. 1992)
- Father: Guy Stewart Laurence
- Mother: Barbara Alison Laurence
- Siblings: Jonathan Dobree Laurence
- Military Leaders
- Royal Family Members
- City: London, England
- Notable Alumni: Sevenoaks School, University College, Durham
- Education: University Of Durham, University College, Durham, Sevenoaks School
- Awards: Companion of the Order of the Bath, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order
Early Career
Timothy Laurence began his career in the Royal Navy on January 1, 1973, as a midshipman. Two years later, he became an acting sub-lieutenant. After completing his navy training at the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, he was assigned to the frigate ‘HMS Aurora’ based in Plymouth. In March 1977, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, ten months ahead of schedule. He served on various naval vessels including ‘HMS Vernon’ in 1978, ‘HMS Pollington’ in 1979, and the Royal Yacht HMY Britannia as the second Navigating Officer. In 1980, he became the Navigating Officer of the destroyer ‘HMS Sheffield’. In 1982, he commanded the patrol boat HMS Cygnet off Northern Ireland and was commended for his service. In March 1985, he completed the Principal Warfare Officer course and was promoted to lieutenant commander. He was then posted to the frigate ‘HMS Alacrity’. In March 1986, he attended the Royal Australian Navy Tactics Course and was appointed Equerry to Queen Elizabeth II the following month. It was during this time that he fell in love with Princess Anne, whom he later married in 1992.
Later Career
Timothy Laurence continued to advance in his naval career. He was promoted to Commander on December 31, 1988, and became the Commanding Officer of the new frigate ‘HMS Boxer’ in October 1989. At the age of 34, he took charge as its Commanding Officer on January 30, 1990. He served on the naval staff in the Ministry of Defence for two years before being appointed the first Military Assistant to the Secretary of State for Defence. In June 1995, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and commanded the frigate ‘HMS Cumberland’ until May 1996. He then became the Commanding Officer of the frigate ‘HMS Montrose’ and Captain of the 6th Frigate Squadron. In July 1997, he returned to the Ministry of Defence and was posted to the Joint Services Command and Staff College as a Commodore. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in July 2004 and appointed Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff. He retired from the Navy in August 2010, holding the rank of vice admiral.
Family & Personal Life
Timothy James Hamilton Laurence was born on March 1, 1955, in Camberwell, South London, England. His father, Guy Stewart Laurence, was a Commander in the Royal Navy and a salesman for a marine engine manufacturer. He has an older brother named Jonathan Dobree Laurence. Timothy Laurence attended The New Beacon Preparatory School and Sevenoaks School in Kent. He then studied at University College, University of Durham on a Naval Scholarship and received a Bachelor of Science degree in geography. He met Princess Anne in 1986 while she was still married to her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips. They were married on December 12, 1992, after Princess Anne obtained a divorce. They have lived in various residences, including a flat in the Dolphin Square complex in Westminster and apartments in Buckingham Palace. They currently reside in an apartment at St James’s Palace.